Why do quotes for the same construction work vary by 30%?

The same bathroom renovation, three quotes: £3,600, £4,600, and £5,600. All from companies with good reviews. Where does this difference come from?## What is hidden behind the price- Spare capacity — a company with a free schedule quotes lower to keep the team busy; an overloaded one quotes higher because it "has to turn the work away".- Scope of the quote — the line item "plumbing" might mean 3 points or 8. Always ask for details.- Quality of the crew — a better tiler and professional grinder with certifications cost more and make fewer mistakes.- Material margin — some add 10%, others 30% on top of retail prices.- Subcontractors vs. in-house team — the cost structure completely changes the arithmetic.## How to use this1. Ask for a detailed estimate split into labour and materials.2. Ask about every line item you don't understand.3. Compare the total cost of ownership: a cheaper offer with a shorter warranty is not always cheaper.The most expensive offer is not always the best — and the cheapest is not always the most affordable. Compare in one place: publish your job on LocalTrader.